I set out to create a 3D hex model using 2-1/2D extrusion in APEX and run Random Vibration from within Patran. My model was a machined aluminum component. My strategy was to create the base surfaces in the x-y plane and then "extrude" them into the z-direction of various heights to create a an aluminum component with RF "trenches". Once the 3D geometry was in place, it should have been trivial to mesh with hex elements using the 2.5D mesher. Or so I thought ...
I built the surfaces as shown

When I first learned Patran, some thirty-five years ago, I did it by reading the manual and just figuring things out on my own. Budgets were tight and there was no money for training "until you needed it."
When I eventually began to teach Patran classes, I would cover a topic in five minutes or less and I'd remember back when it had taken me a half day or more to figure it out on my own!
So here I was, in Apex, trying to do what I thought was a simple operation ... to set the transparency on

As an MSC Apex Elite Agent, my company, DHL Consulting, is entitled to an MSC One license to be able to run MSC/Apex for demonstration purposes. About three weeks ago, I submitted a request form to MSC. The process is very streamlined and a couple days later I received by license.dat file.
However, after downloading and installing the software along with the MSC Licensing Utility, it shows you what your HostID is during installation. It was then I quickly realized that my HostID had changed due

I am, like most finite element analysts out there, new to MSC/Apex. I'm working through the process of coming up to speed and will document my findings along the way. This will help you, should you be evaluating the Apex software. Although I am an MSC Elite Channel Partner for the Apex product, I consider myself independent from MSC and will document my honest assessment of the Apex learning experience.
Background
Before embarking to create a model from scratch, I have spent perhaps 15 hours to